Red Cross Delivers Remains of Hostages from Gaza: A New Turning Point in the Israel-Hamas Conflict
In a significant development for the region, the International Red Cross has officially handed over the bodies of four hostages held in Gaza to Israeli authorities.
This event took place on Monday when Israeli forces received four coffins containing the remains of individuals previously detained by Hamas in Gaza.
Reports indicate that the remains belong to Guy Illuz, Yossi Sharabi, Bipin Joshi, and Daniel Perez.
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), most of these remains were recovered and transported to the Tel Aviv Forensic Institute for proper identification.
Meanwhile, the fate of an additional 24 hostages remains unknown, as Hamas has not disclosed their condition.
The background of this crisis includes intense diplomatic efforts, with US, Qatari, Turkish, and Egyptian leaders signing a ceasefire agreement in Sharm El-Sheikh.
Earlier on October 13, Hamas facilitated the release and handover of the first seven hostages to the Red Cross, followed by the liberation of 13 more, bringing the total number of freed captives to 20 after more than two years in captivity.
The negotiations and releases were part of the ceasefire agreement, which was reached with the active participation of then-US President Donald Trump’s administration.
The release of these hostages signals a cautious hope for stabilization in the region and perhaps a step towards de-escalation of ongoing tensions.